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The Blue Jewel: A Riveting Space Opera
A coming-of-age sci-fi novel set during the insurrection on colonized Earth. Cal's world is turned upside down as he is forced to re-evaluate what it means to be human and come to terms with what truly haunts him. . .
There is no such thing as monsters.
The Great War is over, but insurrection embroils colonized Earth as the rebels battle Alien conquerors. Calvin desperately tries to hold his family together. He faces ruthless alien captors, raiders, and even other rebels in his quest to preserve those he loves. But how far must he go to protect what he treasures? The Blue Jewel is a thrilling space opera of conquest and adventure, as Calvin explores what it means to be human. Can what is left of the human race preserve itself?
There is no such thing as monsters.
The Great War is over, but insurrection embroils colonized Earth as the rebels battle Alien conquerors. Calvin desperately tries to hold his family together. He faces ruthless alien captors, raiders, and even other rebels in his quest to preserve those he loves. But how far must he go to protect what he treasures? The Blue Jewel is a thrilling space opera of conquest and adventure, as Calvin explores what it means to be human. Can what is left of the human race preserve itself?
391 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 19, 2019
I had the opportunity to beta read this book, so I may be a bit biased. Nonetheless, it was so fun seeing all the changes and improvements! Since it’s a space opera, it provides an excellent gateway into the sci-fi universe without being too overwhelming. A very fun read for sure. Follow Cal as he travels across the Sonoran desert, desperately searching for his family and his purpose. In this coming of age story, Cal will discover new truths, friends, and learn to fight for what’s most important to him.
April 12, 2022
Well written and thought out
This book was fun and age appropriate for younger teen readers whilst also dealing with some very heavy issues.
It is a little bit heavy on the military aspects for my personal taste but I'm sure that wouldn't put other readers off, and the writing is very readable.
Cal and Ameenah are very well drawn and engaging and I found their fumbling attempts at teenage romance very relatable - it reminded me sharply of being an teenager myself. In fact, all the characters were believable teenage, which was nice.
I thought there was something almost Hamlet-esque about Cal's indecision - a result of his traumatic experiences - and watching him overcome this in this coming of age story was interesting and well done.
The descriptions were mostly very well done too, though the action/battle scenes could be a little tighter in my opinion. One minor quibble with this book is that I'm not entirely sure I'd classify it as a space opera. I might consider changing the subtitle on that if I were the author.
Otherwise, it is a good book and certainly worth checking out!
This book was fun and age appropriate for younger teen readers whilst also dealing with some very heavy issues.
It is a little bit heavy on the military aspects for my personal taste but I'm sure that wouldn't put other readers off, and the writing is very readable.
Cal and Ameenah are very well drawn and engaging and I found their fumbling attempts at teenage romance very relatable - it reminded me sharply of being an teenager myself. In fact, all the characters were believable teenage, which was nice.
I thought there was something almost Hamlet-esque about Cal's indecision - a result of his traumatic experiences - and watching him overcome this in this coming of age story was interesting and well done.
The descriptions were mostly very well done too, though the action/battle scenes could be a little tighter in my opinion. One minor quibble with this book is that I'm not entirely sure I'd classify it as a space opera. I might consider changing the subtitle on that if I were the author.
Otherwise, it is a good book and certainly worth checking out!
November 11, 2021
A fast paced military sci-fi adventure for early teens. This novel builds on a long history of sci-fi adventure novels for teen-agers, especially books like L. Ron Hubbard’s “Battlefield Earth,” “The Invader’s Plan” or basically any of Hubbard’s teenager-focused popcorn fiction, and the grittier military sci-fi books like Ringo & Weber’s “We Few” or Steakley’s “Armor.” The main character Calvin Durkin has been burdened with indecision and psychological trauma since he witnessed the destruction of an entire city as a child, and his close-knit family has sheltered him so that he reacts with childish indecision rather than as a 20-year-old in a hostile world. A Coming-of-Age story, it chronicles how Cal overcomes his weaknesses while searching to save his siblings and fit into his new “rebel” society.
What I liked about this tale was its fast pace, the characters in the “rebel” band, their adventures and encounters. The twist and turns of the plot made for enticing reading, including the surprise revealing background of strange Reegan, the treasure hunter. It’s always enjoyable to read Spanish phrases correctly salted throughout an English work. I enjoyed the character of Ameenah the book seller and Cal’s stumbling attempts at romance, very chaste and early teen appropriate. Ameenah, wise beyond her years, delivers an important message to a young audience: “…just because you are surrounded by tragedy, doesn’t mean your personal tragedies and heartaches are any less significant. You make a difference… You matter.” The book ends on a hopeful note and leaves the door open for more adventures with the same characters.
What I didn’t like about this story was it all takes place on our planet, not truly living up to the promise of a “space opera:” the subtitle refers to the anthropocentric intergalactic beings who stepped into the void in earth governance when the peoples of earth fought a devastating global nuclear war. These aliens are literary foils, simply “taller” versions of earthling “pygmies” with much better technology—colonization is for industrial reasons, big business as an underlying antagonist, a familiar Middle Grade theme. Foreshadowing tends to be heavy handed, clearly intended to guide teen readers, yet off-putting for adults. The battle scenes were written chaotically and difficult to follow, but that could be the authors’ design, to mirror confusion in their main character’s mind. There were diction issues in the manuscript that should be corrected. While probably personal, the cover and artwork did not enhance the book and the work would do better with a cover by a graphic professional.
Overall, this should be a fun book for its intended audience, fully of adventure, a minimum of gore, and a dash of romance. I would recommend it for ages 12 to 16.
What I liked about this tale was its fast pace, the characters in the “rebel” band, their adventures and encounters. The twist and turns of the plot made for enticing reading, including the surprise revealing background of strange Reegan, the treasure hunter. It’s always enjoyable to read Spanish phrases correctly salted throughout an English work. I enjoyed the character of Ameenah the book seller and Cal’s stumbling attempts at romance, very chaste and early teen appropriate. Ameenah, wise beyond her years, delivers an important message to a young audience: “…just because you are surrounded by tragedy, doesn’t mean your personal tragedies and heartaches are any less significant. You make a difference… You matter.” The book ends on a hopeful note and leaves the door open for more adventures with the same characters.
What I didn’t like about this story was it all takes place on our planet, not truly living up to the promise of a “space opera:” the subtitle refers to the anthropocentric intergalactic beings who stepped into the void in earth governance when the peoples of earth fought a devastating global nuclear war. These aliens are literary foils, simply “taller” versions of earthling “pygmies” with much better technology—colonization is for industrial reasons, big business as an underlying antagonist, a familiar Middle Grade theme. Foreshadowing tends to be heavy handed, clearly intended to guide teen readers, yet off-putting for adults. The battle scenes were written chaotically and difficult to follow, but that could be the authors’ design, to mirror confusion in their main character’s mind. There were diction issues in the manuscript that should be corrected. While probably personal, the cover and artwork did not enhance the book and the work would do better with a cover by a graphic professional.
Overall, this should be a fun book for its intended audience, fully of adventure, a minimum of gore, and a dash of romance. I would recommend it for ages 12 to 16.
April 12, 2022
A post-apocalyptic Earth exploited by alien overlords, the Siltekans, and the rebel human factions plotting to overthrow them, is the premise for this well-paced, enjoyable YA novel. Young Cal suffers from PTSD after the trauma of losing his parents. He works as a mining chief in the Sonoran desert, and lives with his devoted brother and sister. They dream of escaping to a desert island paradise, but Cal is forced to confront the dangers of the wider world alone when his siblings are abducted by raiders.
His rescue odyssey leads him into the hands of daring rebels, among whom he thrives and forms new friendships. All the while the ruling Siltekans tighten their iron fist, raising the stakes for the freedom-fighters. Is there any hope left for humankind? Will Cal find his siblings in time?
Author J.D. Richards has a good feel for the genre. Plotting is rock solid, and there’s a nice balance between intimate character moments and fast-paced action. The alien races are imperialist slavers squabbling over Earth’s rich resources. While they are monsters, they’re complex monsters, and it’s interesting that Richards opens the story with an intimate interview between Cal and a beautiful Siltekan female, who’s his boss in the mine. Cal is a sensitive hero who grows once he’s drawn out of his shell. He’s perhaps a bit too sensitive—I lost count of the number times he blushed throughout the story (he wasn’t the only one).
There’s a hard edge to the story that made me glad Richards introduced a love interest for Cal in the second half. She offers him a glimpse of hope. After all he’s endured, and all Earth has endured, it feels like the ray of sunshine The Blue Jewel badly needs. Overall, it’s a very good read, with some twists I didn’t see coming.
His rescue odyssey leads him into the hands of daring rebels, among whom he thrives and forms new friendships. All the while the ruling Siltekans tighten their iron fist, raising the stakes for the freedom-fighters. Is there any hope left for humankind? Will Cal find his siblings in time?
Author J.D. Richards has a good feel for the genre. Plotting is rock solid, and there’s a nice balance between intimate character moments and fast-paced action. The alien races are imperialist slavers squabbling over Earth’s rich resources. While they are monsters, they’re complex monsters, and it’s interesting that Richards opens the story with an intimate interview between Cal and a beautiful Siltekan female, who’s his boss in the mine. Cal is a sensitive hero who grows once he’s drawn out of his shell. He’s perhaps a bit too sensitive—I lost count of the number times he blushed throughout the story (he wasn’t the only one).
There’s a hard edge to the story that made me glad Richards introduced a love interest for Cal in the second half. She offers him a glimpse of hope. After all he’s endured, and all Earth has endured, it feels like the ray of sunshine The Blue Jewel badly needs. Overall, it’s a very good read, with some twists I didn’t see coming.
December 13, 2021
Do you like a great story line that keeps you interested and entertained? Do you like science fiction, suspense, action, and intrigue? Well, I do, and that is exactly what I found in this excellent novel by J.D. Richards. Meet Cal Durkin, a seventeen-year-old kid who’s worked his entire life at a copper mine and has worked his way up to being the Chief Engineer. But he works for alien beings from the plant Silteka who colonized the Earth forty years ago. This is all he’s ever known. His parents died during the war and Cal lives with his older brother, Ryan and his sister, Shelly. Their lives are stable but all of that changes very quickly. When a band of raiders show in the middle of the night and begin attacking homes in Cal’s neighborhood, Ryan goes out to warn his neighbors. When Cal sees Ryan in an altercation with one of the raiders, he shoots one and is subsequently attacked from behind. Ultimately, both Ryan and Shelly are kidnapped by the raiders to be sold elsewhere as slaves. Cal wakes up in the home of Anthony Jackson, a local pub owner, and vows to do anything he has to do to kill the raiders and rescue his siblings. To avoid any spoilers, I’ll just say that the story takes off from here like a freight train with many clever surprises and unexpected events.
This is an excellent book. It’s well written, highly entertaining, and captivating. Cal and the other significant characters are relatable and believable. The book is written concisely and moves along quickly. Amazon Prime or Netflix should consider making this into a series. I will definitely read, The Emerald Princess, next by this great author.
This is an excellent book. It’s well written, highly entertaining, and captivating. Cal and the other significant characters are relatable and believable. The book is written concisely and moves along quickly. Amazon Prime or Netflix should consider making this into a series. I will definitely read, The Emerald Princess, next by this great author.
November 2, 2021
I have never read a Space Opera, but something about The Blue Jewel was extremely appealing to me. I was promised peril and adventure on the description alone, and The Blue Jewel certainly delivered.
The characters were extremely likeable and relatable, with Cal being an impressive lead. I liked that he was a determined and feisty young man, who is also smart, accomplished and caring. I could feel his frustration of being a slave and felt his hope when the rebellion arrived to enlist new recruits. The dialogue, too, is a clever combination of formal and informal, and the author turns this on and off whenever a situation arises. I found that this was very effective in showing Cal’s discipline and anger, and also fitting for whatever the context, such as being with his brother or friends. The action scenes are also extremely well-written, with some tragic moments and some triumphant moments as Cal and his allies fought against their alien captors.
I was greatly impressed by how J.D. Richards handles the more technical aspects of this book, especially around engineering and machinery. His technological know-how really comes through and if I can liken it to anything I would say it was similar to books like The Martian. I have no way of telling if any of this was accurate, but I trust the author and congratulate him on a well-researched and well-polished book.
With themes of romance and adventure, conflict and peace, The Blue Jewel is a fantastic book for lovers of Sci-Fi and newcomers to Space Operas. I would recommend this book to anyone.
The characters were extremely likeable and relatable, with Cal being an impressive lead. I liked that he was a determined and feisty young man, who is also smart, accomplished and caring. I could feel his frustration of being a slave and felt his hope when the rebellion arrived to enlist new recruits. The dialogue, too, is a clever combination of formal and informal, and the author turns this on and off whenever a situation arises. I found that this was very effective in showing Cal’s discipline and anger, and also fitting for whatever the context, such as being with his brother or friends. The action scenes are also extremely well-written, with some tragic moments and some triumphant moments as Cal and his allies fought against their alien captors.
I was greatly impressed by how J.D. Richards handles the more technical aspects of this book, especially around engineering and machinery. His technological know-how really comes through and if I can liken it to anything I would say it was similar to books like The Martian. I have no way of telling if any of this was accurate, but I trust the author and congratulate him on a well-researched and well-polished book.
With themes of romance and adventure, conflict and peace, The Blue Jewel is a fantastic book for lovers of Sci-Fi and newcomers to Space Operas. I would recommend this book to anyone.
April 5, 2022
Action packed dystopian
First thing first; for something that claims it’s a space opera there is a considerable lack of space. However I still gave the book 5 stars because the story was excellent. Set on a futuristic, dystopian Earth where an alien race had called the Siltekan’s had invaded 40 years ago and had waged a catastrophic war that the human’s had lost. Now with no governments the human race is practically decimated and the ones left alive serve only their Siltekan overlords. Then one day when his brother and sister are kidnapped by human slave traders, Cal tries to find and rescue them but instead finds himself embroiled in a rebel movement with a dangerous plan that could change the fate of humankind forever. This is very well written and the action comes thick and fast. It is fascinating that the hero of the story, Cal, suffers from serious anxiety disorders but he still manages to pull through. If you have read a series of books called The Survivalist and liked it then you will love this as it had that kind of vibe. It also had a kind of Mad Max vibe as well mixed with a show called Defiance that was on a few years back. If you enjoyed that you will love this too. From how the book ended I seriously hope there is a sequel.
First thing first; for something that claims it’s a space opera there is a considerable lack of space. However I still gave the book 5 stars because the story was excellent. Set on a futuristic, dystopian Earth where an alien race had called the Siltekan’s had invaded 40 years ago and had waged a catastrophic war that the human’s had lost. Now with no governments the human race is practically decimated and the ones left alive serve only their Siltekan overlords. Then one day when his brother and sister are kidnapped by human slave traders, Cal tries to find and rescue them but instead finds himself embroiled in a rebel movement with a dangerous plan that could change the fate of humankind forever. This is very well written and the action comes thick and fast. It is fascinating that the hero of the story, Cal, suffers from serious anxiety disorders but he still manages to pull through. If you have read a series of books called The Survivalist and liked it then you will love this as it had that kind of vibe. It also had a kind of Mad Max vibe as well mixed with a show called Defiance that was on a few years back. If you enjoyed that you will love this too. From how the book ended I seriously hope there is a sequel.
August 17, 2023
Action packed dystopian
First thing first; for something that claims it’s a space opera there is a considerable lack of space. However I still gave the book 5 stars because the story was excellent. Set on a futuristic, dystopian Earth where an alien race had called the Siltekan’s had invaded 40 years ago and had waged a catastrophic war that the human’s had lost. Now with no governments the human race is practically decimated and the ones left alive serve only their Siltekan overlords. Then one day when his brother and sister are kidnapped by human slave traders, Cal tries to find and rescue them but instead finds himself embroiled in a rebel movement with a dangerous plan that could change the fate of humankind forever. This is very well written and the action comes thick and fast. It is fascinating that the hero of the story, Cal, suffers from serious anxiety disorders but he still manages to pull through. If you have read a series of books called The Survivalist and liked it then you will love this as it had that kind of vibe. It also had a kind of Mad Max vibe as well mixed with a show called Defiance that was on a few years back. If you enjoyed that you will love this too. From how the book ended I seriously hope there is a sequel.
First thing first; for something that claims it’s a space opera there is a considerable lack of space. However I still gave the book 5 stars because the story was excellent. Set on a futuristic, dystopian Earth where an alien race had called the Siltekan’s had invaded 40 years ago and had waged a catastrophic war that the human’s had lost. Now with no governments the human race is practically decimated and the ones left alive serve only their Siltekan overlords. Then one day when his brother and sister are kidnapped by human slave traders, Cal tries to find and rescue them but instead finds himself embroiled in a rebel movement with a dangerous plan that could change the fate of humankind forever. This is very well written and the action comes thick and fast. It is fascinating that the hero of the story, Cal, suffers from serious anxiety disorders but he still manages to pull through. If you have read a series of books called The Survivalist and liked it then you will love this as it had that kind of vibe. It also had a kind of Mad Max vibe as well mixed with a show called Defiance that was on a few years back. If you enjoyed that you will love this too. From how the book ended I seriously hope there is a sequel.
November 1, 2021
I had great fun with this book.
What I enjoyed most of all is that, at its heart, this story is about the people in it. That means that, even though it’s a sci-fi novel, character development and top-quality story telling take centre stage.
That being said, the world building is very good and certainly helps to create, well, a world! Due to the quality of the writing, the characters jump off the page and are well worth investing in. When this happens the reader becomes heavily invested in the future of such characters – which is definitely a good thing!
If I had to label this book it would be as an accessible sci-fi page turner with great characters, dialogue and settings. There’s enough here to keep the reader engaged and most certainly looking forward to future works from J.D Richards.
A cracking read, highly recommended.
What I enjoyed most of all is that, at its heart, this story is about the people in it. That means that, even though it’s a sci-fi novel, character development and top-quality story telling take centre stage.
That being said, the world building is very good and certainly helps to create, well, a world! Due to the quality of the writing, the characters jump off the page and are well worth investing in. When this happens the reader becomes heavily invested in the future of such characters – which is definitely a good thing!
If I had to label this book it would be as an accessible sci-fi page turner with great characters, dialogue and settings. There’s enough here to keep the reader engaged and most certainly looking forward to future works from J.D Richards.
A cracking read, highly recommended.
August 29, 2021
I couldn't put it down
I gave this book 5 stars because it has everything I love in sci fi. Believable aliens first off. And secondly great characters who really develope as story goes forward. I believe the science is rather "soft" which is fine by me. I am able to let my imagination take off. A little romance fills it out. I enjoyed the book and didn't have to strain my brain to get it.
I gave this book 5 stars because it has everything I love in sci fi. Believable aliens first off. And secondly great characters who really develope as story goes forward. I believe the science is rather "soft" which is fine by me. I am able to let my imagination take off. A little romance fills it out. I enjoyed the book and didn't have to strain my brain to get it.
November 7, 2021
Surprisingly fun read. I'm not sure I would call it a "space opera" since all the action was on Earth, but it was certainly a compelling sci-fi dealing with intergalactic alien-drama. The characters were wonderful, and I enjoyed the humor and even the romance which I wasn't expecting. The artwork at the beginning of each chapter was fun - not typical for these kinds of indie reads so that was a bonus. Character-driven for sure, looking forward to any sequels.
January 12, 2022
A engaging and well developed story. I loved the details the author gave the characters which helped them come alive. Kept me engaged right to the very end. Not something I would usually read so it was surprising to enjoy it to the level I did. Well done.
April 2, 2023
Riveting dystopian story.
Excellent story by JD Richards.
Follow a young man named Cal. Beginning with his quiet life in a copper mine, he has several experiences that change his perception of life.
Excellent story by JD Richards.
Follow a young man named Cal. Beginning with his quiet life in a copper mine, he has several experiences that change his perception of life.
September 2, 2023
For the Anxious Adventurer & Bookishly Brave
An adventure through the desert lands of the southwest with alien conquerors and a ragtag lovable resistance group of humans. In this coming-of-age science-fiction book the characters are diverse and relatable while living in an unfair societal system with leering alien overlords. Cal is an unlikely hero moving through the routine of his life, trying to cope with his anxiety with the help of his two older siblings, until one day everything changes.
Caught in the middle of a rebellion, he must find allies and a way to rescue his sister. I love a good underdog story that is reflective and more realistic - not the kind where “oh we found out you’re the lost prince/princess who will magically know how to save everyone even though we’ve been battling the larger power for years without you”. I love how each character is introduced and the natural way they encounter each other within their realm. They are lovable, they are flawed and will endear you to their cause and the importance of human connection.
The author keeps the characters realistic within their abilities, power dynamics and interpersonal relationships in this contemporary adventure. The characters Cal meets and befriends make it a heartwarming, medium paced adventure novel with a found family. I can’t wait to read the sequel and adventure along with Cal, Ameena and the crew.
An adventure through the desert lands of the southwest with alien conquerors and a ragtag lovable resistance group of humans. In this coming-of-age science-fiction book the characters are diverse and relatable while living in an unfair societal system with leering alien overlords. Cal is an unlikely hero moving through the routine of his life, trying to cope with his anxiety with the help of his two older siblings, until one day everything changes.
Caught in the middle of a rebellion, he must find allies and a way to rescue his sister. I love a good underdog story that is reflective and more realistic - not the kind where “oh we found out you’re the lost prince/princess who will magically know how to save everyone even though we’ve been battling the larger power for years without you”. I love how each character is introduced and the natural way they encounter each other within their realm. They are lovable, they are flawed and will endear you to their cause and the importance of human connection.
The author keeps the characters realistic within their abilities, power dynamics and interpersonal relationships in this contemporary adventure. The characters Cal meets and befriends make it a heartwarming, medium paced adventure novel with a found family. I can’t wait to read the sequel and adventure along with Cal, Ameena and the crew.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews